A John Lennon Birthday Celebration - John Lennon Re-Imagined By The Nutopians

Website:http://www.www.thehbt.comNew York ¨C October 9 John Lennon would be 72 years old. To honor and celebrate the genius and artistry of the music icon, the unique and compelling 8-piece ensemble The Nutopians will perform at The Historic Blairstown Theatre October 20. Showtime 8:30pm. 30 Main St, Blairstown,NJ Tickets: $30 advance/ $35 day of show, available at www.thehbt.com or by phone 908-362-1399

Created and led by Rex Fowler of Aztec Two-Step and Tom Dean of Devonsquare, the ensemble gives remarkably fresh treatments to Lennon¡¯s best and least known Beatles and solo song compositions that often inspire a whole new appreciation for the icon¡¯s music.

The band's name was given to them by Yoko Ono Lennon to both tribute ''Nutopia,'' the fictitious country of peace that she and John envisioned, and to honor her late husband¡¯s social and political activism. In that vein, as members of WhyHunger's Artists Against Hunger & Poverty program, the band will donate a portion of their proceeds from the performance and CD sales.

Founded by Rex Fowler (Aztec Two-Step) and Tom Dean (Devonsquare) in 2010, the show has been gathering momentum and inspiring a whole new appreciation for Lennon's music with poignant song introductions, soaring lead vocals, and three-part harmonies. Concert goers will be treated to exquisite renditions of Lennon¡¯s legendary songs, often weaving melody, lyric and song together in a series of singles and mini-medleys. The Nutopians are touring with material from its Independent Music Award-winning debut CD "Imagined: Celebrating The Songs of John Lennon," as well as songs from its follow-up album ¡°Lennon Re-Imagined¡± to be released later this year.

Rex Fowler and Tom Dean emerged as prominent folk/rock artists in the 1970s. Rex¡¯s band, Aztec Two-Step, burst upon the scene with their self-titled debut album on Elektra Records in 1972. This and their three subsequent albums on RCA Records were staples of college and progressive FM radio and helped usher the music of the 1960s into the 70s and beyond. Tom Dean¡¯s band Devonsquare was signed by Ahmet Ertegun, the legendary chairman of Atlantic Records, after hearing Dean¡¯s ¡°Walking On Ice¡± from their self-released album of the same name. Devonsquare went on to record another CD for Atlantic titled ¡°Bye Bye Route 66¡å which spawned several critically acclaimed singles including ¡°If You Could See Me Now.¡±

Collectively Rex and Tom have toured worldwide, been reviewed in Rolling Stone, performed on David Letterman and shared stages with such musical luminaries as Bruce Springsteen, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne and The Band. Along with their passion for interpreting the songs of John Lennon, the two lads continue to distinguish themselves as esteemed songwriters, performers and recording artists.